In my first-year, first-semester class Business and the Entrepreneurial Mindset, we participated in a six-week project called BizCafe, in which we ran a virtual coffee shop and made weekly decisions surrounding the business, including analyzing income statements and balance sheets, hiring and firing servers, setting employee wages, advertising and promoting the business, setting hours of operation and setting prices of menu items.

Not only did my decision-making capabilities improve, but I also started doing a lot of analysis before making decisions. My horizons expanded incredibly in terms of the functional areas, such as accounting, marketing, operations, management and economics.

Champlain helped Zhomart land an internship in China...

My internships provided me with a cumulative opportunity to integrate the skills I have learned at Champlain and apply them in a practical setting. For example, the Freeman Foundation Grant allowed me to spend two months in Shanghai, China. There, I interned at meXBT, a FinTech company that operates in a payment service provider industry, while also getting to experience authentic Chinese culture. I was also able to help with the launch of a payment service in Asia, which allows clients to transfer funds internationally via Bitcoin.

My leadership, presentation and teamwork skills have continued to strengthen since then, and I believe these opportunities will help me to apply my analytical skills and business acumen to be successful in the financial services industry.

Zhomart, Finance & Business Administration Double MajorAlmaty, KazakhstanROBERT P. STILLER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

"As someone who considers themselves an artist, it has been a magical experience to find a Core class that not only emphasizes my interests but also connects to my major."

Montse was excited to jump headfirst into her major...When I was younger, I always considered myself an artist and was lucky enough to attend a boarding school which focused its curriculum on art. While I was there, I fell in love with the camera and knew I had to stay behind it for the rest of my life. It was very important to me to be able to expand my skills within my craft from day one, and Champlain was one of the few schools that were willing to let students jump headfirst into their majors. Being able to set foot on a film set as a first-year student definitely sets my experience apart from that of my peers who are attending other schools, while also allowing me to explore my passion for advertising through the Marketing minor.

She went to Zanzibar with her Core class...Core serves as a vehicle by which students can learn about other people and how different parts of the world function, all through a curriculum that emphasizes the importance of perspective and empathy. My favorite Core experience has been Professor Scudder's Aesthetic Expressions travel course to Zanzibar. Within this course, we analyzed art forms from various cultures and what art means to people in different parts of the world. As someone who considers themselves an artist, it has been a magical experience to find a Core class that not only emphasizes my interests but also connects to my major.

What Montse loves most about Burlington is...What I like most about Burlington is that if I feel like going for a hike during the day and getting dressed up for a night out, I can do both in the same city. Burlington's charm is epitomized by its touches of art and nature on every corner of the street. Murals decorate walls along Church Street, which is just minutes away from a calm walk by the lake. Burlington has everything available, which makes it the perfect, well-rounded place to go to school.

Getting involved with many aspects of campus life provided her with unexpected benefits...I am the President of Alianza Latinx (a Latino/a affiliation group). I am involved in CHAMP (Champlain Has Activities and Motivational Programming) and the Stiller Women in Business groups, and work with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Within these clubs, I've been able to broaden my perspective on diversity on campus and proudly represent my heritage and interests. I have also worked as a junior video producer for the Emergent Media Center and the Department of Strategic Communications, as well as held a position as a Resident Assistant and Communication & Creative Media division representative for the Student Government Association. These positions have allowed me to strengthen and develop leadership and organizational skills, and directly apply to my major-related coursework.

“Being able to do what I want from the beginning gives me enough time to prepare for my future profession.”

Absa's experience as an international student...When you first come here [as an international student], you have a week-long orientation where you get to know more about the school and you go out and do things in Vermont and Burlington especially. You meet other international students and engage in activities during the semester that bring the international students together in a community on campus. I didn't know how it would feel to come here, but I love it.

She was able to start her major classes right away.When I came here, I said "I want to do social work," and that's exactly what I started doing from the get-go. Within the first semester that I was here, I was able to go out and do internships. The fact that I was able to do what I wanted from the start helped me understand that Social Work is the right fit for me. If I hadn't liked it, I could have switched my major to something else but it's definitely the right fit.

Absa is pursuing her passion.I am very passionate about the empowerment of women and girls, especially coming from The Gambia where women are less educated and not often involved in decision-making. I started working with non-governmental organizations (NGO) that are involved with supporting girls' education and women's rights; then I came here, and for the first time I am able to do what I love, which is social work. I'm building the skills I need to become the person I want to be.

She is also a student ambassador for the Women's & Gender Center.I love being in the Women's & Gender Center, and that's why I decided to be an ambassador. The Women's & Gender Center provides a safe space for me, and I know I can go there and get the support I need. When you go there, you meet many students who are hanging out, doing assignments, having conversations, playing games... Sometimes there are activities going on, and you're always welcome to participate. That's why I love being there.

Absa loves the opportunity to get involved on campus.I am a member of the African and Caribbean Student Association; a member of Shades of Me, which is the women of color's affinity group on campus; and I am a member of the Cultural Community Alliance. With the African and Caribbean Student Association, we have weekly meetings where we watch and discuss movies, talk about our experiences, and serve as a support to each other. In Shades of Me, we are providing a community for women of color on campus. I also go to the Office of Diversity & Inclusion. As a minority student, I go there because I have other students like me who I can relate with, and I love the fact that I can go there and be with them.

On professors...I love my professors, and I love that I can walk up to them and tell them what I want and what I think and whether I'm comfortable in my classes. They are always welcoming to me and open and eager to hear what I am doing, how I feel, and if there's anything they can do to make it better. They are very eager to support you.

In the future...When I graduate, I want to work with programs that support and empower women and girls' rights, especially to education. I am also excited to work on any issues that are geared towards social justice for all. I believe that being here helps me to work with people of diverse backgrounds, and the fact that I have that opportunity will prepare me for the wider world. Being able to do what I want from the beginning gives me enough time to prepare for my future profession.

Absa, Social Work majorThe Gambia, West AfricaDIVISION OF EDUCATION & HUMAN STUDIES

“I have a really good idea of what life is going to be like after college. There's not a doubt in my mind that I'll be prepared, if not over-prepared for what's to come.”

Mary enjoys the real-word projects in her Digital Forensics classes...

My Digital Forensics classes have a lot of real-world examples. In class, we've simulated investigating a kidnapped child, a drug dealer and a terrorist organization. It's really helpful for our professors to make such realistic situations for us since those are the kind of things that we could be dealing with in the field.

Core develops her skills and knowledge in new ways...

I really enjoyed Core. I think that in the IT industry specifically a lot of people skills can be lost if not practiced. Core really helps people in tech-focused majors learn to communicate, how to work in a team environment and it enhances our writing skills, all of which are really crucial.

The Senator Patrick Leahy Center for Digital Investigation (LCDI) has given her professional opportunities...

At the LCDI, I was in charge of two teams over the course of a year-and-a-half. We were working on different devices doing digital regeneration and analysis on them. During the research process, I even directly applied the information I learned in my classes like Mobile Device Forensics. The work has been presented at a major digital forensics conference, Fuse 2016, and it's been really groundbreaking in the industry. I know that employers will be impressed with what I've learned and done here at Champlain.

At Champlain, Mary found a strong community...

Champlain has such a close-knit community. You meet some of your best friends here, and you make real connections. At Champlain, you will be part of a community that will support you no matter what your dreams or goals are.

Mary knows she is prepared for life after college...

Because Champlain is so career-focused, I have a really good idea of what life is going to be like after college. There's not a doubt in my mind that I'll be prepared, if not over-prepared for what's to come.

“Champlain’s faculty wants to open the doors for you to succeed once you graduate and join the workforce.”

For Erin, the tight-knit community includes her professors.When college campuses define a tight-knit community, they only refer to the connections between students. Champlain takes that community to the next level with the amazing connections developed between students and professors. My professors create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can feel comfortable enough to participate.

Champlain professors don't just stop at teaching courses-the majority of my teachers will help me find connections to internships, programs or mentors because they believe that is part of their job as well. Champlain's faculty wants to open the doors for you to succeed once you graduate and join the workforce.

On the Stiller Women In Business Club...I am the Public Relations and Communications Officer for the Stiller Women In Business Club. I enjoy being a part of the club because it is empowering to be surrounded by peers who are seeking professional expertise in the business world. To know you are not alone in learning how to network or building a network is encouraging. Having a peer to work with you through navigating the Stiller School of Business Division is motivating.

Erin enjoys the creativity involved in her Management & Innovation major...I originally applied to Champlain with the intention of graduating with a degree in International Business. I loved travelling and had taken five years of Spanish, so that major seemed geared towards my skill set. After further investigation of what the Stiller School of Business had to offer, I fell in love with the Management & Innovation major. The curriculum inspires creativity and ingenuity, which are critical traits in the rapidly-changing business world. The Management & Innovation major is able to meld structured business courses and innovative rationale.

Thanks to the Upside-Down Curriculum, she knows what to do next...The Upside-Down curriculum enhanced my education because, as a high school graduate, there is still some uncertainty to the question, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" Being placed in courses your first semester that align with your major can encourage you to find your passion sooner rather than later. In my case, the Upside-Down Curriculum reaffirmed that my major was the right choice for me.

Where does she see herself in the future?After graduation, I see myself at Ben & Jerry's working within their Social Impact division. Living in Burlington, I have become passionate about a company actively displaying the values it says it embodies. I see Ben & Jerry's passion for their social, economic and product missions, and I want to be a part of that.

“I love being able to work in teams to make games. When it’s finished, I feel a huge sense of accomplishment, and it’s amazing.”

Conor appreciates how career-focused his major is.I was looking through the Princeton Review for top game design schools, and Champlain caught my interest. I had to visit! I always wanted to be a game designer growing up, so the Game Design major was perfect. When I stepped on campus for the first time, I could really feel the career focus that Champlain has. The faculty were willing to show me what their classes were working on, and they answered every question I could come up with. I love being able to work in teams to make games. When it's finished, I feel a huge sense of accomplishment, and it's amazing.

His Core class created a piece of art in Burlington.Core has actually made me want to travel the world. I was lucky enough to get to go to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and I got to experience all walks of life and cultures in one place! My favorite Core experience was getting to do a 70' x 100' spray paint mural for the new Generator Space in my Aesthetic Expressions: Street Art class. It was an awesome research project that is now a permanent work of art in Burlington.

The classwork has made his experience unique...I got to make an arcade-style game with a team that was really fun to create and play. The game uses a steering wheel and Wii remote gun to shoot aliens and drive through a wasteland. I have learned so much from this one project, and it has been one of my favorite experiences at Champlain.

Conor has been able to share his knowledge with young gamers...I am a Student Ambassador on campus. My job has taught me how to communicate with people from all walks of life. It helps my public speaking skills, and I get to interact with important people on campus. I also worked for iD Tech over the summer, and I got to teach what I learn in classes at camp. I love getting to help campers make levels in Unreal Tournament 4. It's really awesome getting to experience that feeling of success with them.

“The best part about Champlain is that I’ve been able to wear many different hats throughout my years here, and it’s really bettered me as a person.”

Anthony wasn't sure what he wanted to do... Honestly I became a Psychology major because people tell me I give good advice. Being so undecided professionally, the Upside-Down Curriculum really helped me get involved and dedicate myself to my major work right away. There was no sense of insecurity once I had my first psychology class.

He loves bringing his own touch to the classroom...I've been lucky enough to have a lot of open-ended projects that have allowed me to express myself in any way that I want. My favorite classes are the ones that let me bring a piece of me into the classroom. Sometimes in Core classes, my teachers would ask us to bring in a song to play for the class and analyze. Recently, I brought my dog into my public speaking class and did an interactive speech on how to train your dog. Needless to say, I got a good grade for that.

Anthony has been able to try many different things in his field...There has been a lot of space for me to grow professionally here at Champlain. For example, I am currently working on a research study with a professor who also teaches one of my classes. The best part about Champlain is that I've been able to wear many different hats throughout my years here, and it's really bettered me as a person. I've changed my mind so many times about what I want to do after graduation that I'm not sure how this internship will serve me directly. However, I do know that the skills I develop from working on this project-such as time management, communication skills, punctuality and accountability-will serve me well in the working world.

Champlain's professors provide a personal touch.They all know my name! Having all your professors know your name is a huge boost and just makes communication with them so much easier. They all engage with students in and out of the classroom, and if they notice you making an extra effort, they will also go the extra mile for you.

He has had many positions on campus...I've worked in Admissions as a Student Ambassador for almost four years now. I've also been a Resident Assistant and an Orientation Leader. All three of these jobs have gotten me really good at talking to strangers, and my interview skills are on point.

Studying abroad confirmed that Champlain was the right choice...I went to the Gold Coast, QLD (Australia) for about five months. I got to meet people from all over the world, travel independently and experience life at a university completely different from Champlain. It really solidified Champlain as being the right choice for me when it comes to class size and level of faculty involvement on campus. The best part was travelling, without a doubt.

In the future...Currently my career path has a lot of forks in the road. There's a lot of opportunities on the horizon, but I would love to work with therapy animals as a trainer-or work in animal-assisted therapy-and help pair people with their perfect companion.

“Core classes get me out of my comfort zone, which I think is one of the best ways to grow as an individual.”

Why did Adam choose Champlain?I've been planning on doing computer science since seventh or eighth grade-it's actually my quote in my eighth-grade yearbook that I wanted to be a programmer. It's kind of been with me my entire life. I went to high school not to far from here, so I had plenty of chances to tour Champlain. Every time I came on tour, it was an even more beautiful day, and it just felt super welcoming.

His take on Champlain professors.I love all the professors that I've had here. They have such cool stories, and they're all passionate about what they're teaching. They make me feel super inspired by everything they do in class. Even outside of class, I go and constantly talk with them.

The best part of my classes are... I'm learning things that are relevant. Right now, I'm still learning the basics but those are the fundamentals. In all the classes I've taken at Champlain, they give you a really good basis of what you need, but they don't force you to think in one way. I think that's one of the best things about the classes.

Core has changed his perspective...I'm in some really cool Core classes right now that are more hands-on and less discussion-based. Core classes get me out of my comfort zone, which I think is one of the best ways to grow as an individual.

Adam is a Student Ambassador.I give tours, and I also help out with Admissions projects. It's a super important job because I'm talking with prospective families, and what I say genuinely matters. You can change people's lives. I don't think there's a job cooler than that.

Best thing about Burlington...The concerts. Burlington is between Montreal and Boston, so bands going between those cities see that we're a college town and have concerts here. I've probably been to 10 concerts this year. There's always something to do, and when you go somewhere, you're always going to see someone you know. It feels like you know everyone.

“I feel like this major [International Business] is the best at Champlain because it goes with everything.”

Derrick knew from the start that this was the right major for him.I chose International Business because I want to travel. I love learning about the world, different cultures and different people. The introductory course that International Business majors take when they first get here really shows you how you're going to be able to interact with different people. I feel like this major is the best at Champlain because it goes with everything.

Through his extracurricular activities, he was able to find a greater community outside the classroom.I'm pretty involved with the International Roundtable, a group at Champlain which is a safe space for all sorts of political opinions and backgrounds. We structure a debate; it's interesting, and it works. I feel like we're learning a broader view of why people advocate for certain things.

I also joined Quest, a men of color affinity group. We have different topics to discuss, like a spoken word poetry day where we broke down the different poems and how they related to our personal experiences. It was a good support group during my first year-a great family. We look forward to it each week, and we want to team up with other affinity groups around Vermont.

With the help of his former advisor, Derrick landed an internship with Vermont Congressman Peter Welch.Scott Baker, the Dean of the Stiller School of Business, was my advisor before he became Dean, and he has been a guiding force since I've been here. He gave me tips, sent me to academic coaching and was really supportive. He even helped me get my internship for the office of Congressman Welch. I enjoy working with Congressman Welch a lot because he is very human. I attend events with him, like meeting people at the farmers market, getting people's names, corresponding with them, taking pictures...

So what is Derrick's advice for prospective students?Have fun but stay focused. Get your work done on time and make sure everything you're doing is up to standard. Strive for something. Have a goal that can carry you far. And be open to everyone.

Derrick, International Business major"I've lived all over Virginia"Studied abroad in Dublin, IrelandROBERT P. STILLER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

"Champlain’s culture is creative and mindfully-stimulating, and everyone encourages making your visions into realities."

Kirsten's professors brought industry experts into the classroom.Something that is special about my major is that the professors go out of their way to bring the real world into the classroom. I've met many people in the industry because my professors invited them into class, and I've been to news stations and production studios on field trips. The professors here are dedicated, thoughtful, and some of the smartest humans I've ever met. If a job opportunity lands in a professor's inbox, they'll send it straight to their students to pursue. She flew over the Atlantic Ocean for the first time with her Core class...My favorite Core experience was travelling to Spain and Portugal with my Aesthetic Expressions class taught by Gary Scudder-it was my first time flying over the Atlantic Ocean. Connecting what we had been studying in the classroom and seeing and experiencing those concepts firsthand in new countries was astonishing. My favorite part of the trip was the Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain, because I was able to see the amazing pieces of art that we had read, talked and written about. It definitely was a very unique experience.

On interning at Champlain's Emergent Media Center...I was the Video and Audio Producer on the Stern Building Blocks team. I was responsible for recording and editing all of the voice-over audio for around 30 hours of videos that we created for the new Building Blocks online 3-credit course, which teaches people how to teach children language and literacy. I also produced, filmed and edited the introduction and conclusion videos of Stern's CEO for the course. Being on this team gave me the opportunity to combine my creative skills with people who have different skill sets to create a product for a client. When I apply for jobs after graduation, this internship will show that I have previous experience working with clients, and that I can handle a large quantity of responsibilities while being able to work in a team environment as well as by myself.

She lives an active lifestyle through her on-campus involvement...I am a Ski and Rider Club officer and a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. I play intramural soccer, and I am on the Women's Rugby Club team. I enjoy all of these extracurricular activities because they have allowed me to meet so many more people on campus and make new friends that I probably wouldn't have met any other way. They also keep me active, and I enjoy spending my time doing fun things with these people.

Her advice for prospective students...Be proud of your work. Be motivated, passionate and don't be afraid to share your ideas. Champlain's culture is creative and mindfully-stimulating, and everyone encourages making your visions into realities. This is a place to dive right in to whatever you're into.

“I’m learning what area I want to work in, and I am getting an understanding of criminal justice a lot sooner than I would at another college.”

Champlain gave Samantha the opportunity to she has always known she wanted: to train to be a police officer.I've known since I was about four years old that I wanted to be a police officer. The chief of police in my hometown would sit at the end of the driveway and pull people over which was always exciting for me to watch. As I got older, I realized that I really love helping people, and I want to keep the world safe, so I chose the Criminal Justice major.

I'm only in my second year, and I've already taken six Criminal Justice classes and one Psychology class. I've also done three ride-alongs because it was required for one of my classes, so I've witnessed what they police officers do firsthand. It's good for me to start getting experience this early, so that I won't panic when it comes time to apply for jobs. I'm learning what area I might want to work in, and I am getting an understanding of criminal justice a lot sooner than I would at another college.

She gets to share her passion for the Champlain community through her job as a Student Ambassador.My first year, I was part of the Student Engagement Team. I would help out at admissions events, such as open houses, bus trips and Admitted Students Day. I enjoyed it a lot because I got a taste of what it was like to be a Student Ambassador, which is what I am now. I have learned how to deal with people, and I have also bettered my public speaking skills. It's a lot of fun interacting with prospective students and telling them how much I love Champlain, in hopes that they comes here too and experience the college for themselves.

Some of Samantha's favorite things to share on student tours are...The community at Champlain is amazing, everyone is accepting, and I always feel welcomed wherever I go. The fact that you get to start classes in your major right away is something very rare, so if you are excited,and want to jump right in to small class sizes with amazing professors, come here. I applied Early Decision, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made."

“The Upside-Down Curriculum let me know right off the bat if I chose the right major. I did.”

The Computer & Digital Forensics major was a perfect fit for Jonathan.When I first heard what Digital Forensics was, I realized that it was what I'd always wanted to do. I just didn't know it was an actual profession. As far as I knew, it was what detectives did. When it came time for the college application process, Champlain College has a good reputation in the industry, and it was sort of a no-brainer.

He loves the enthusiasm his professors bring to the classroom.The thing I love about the professors at Champlain is that not only are they at the top of their field, but they're also usually as passionate as the students themselves. My favorite professor is Jonathan Rajewski, because in class you can see that he loves what he's teaching. He makes sure it aligns with what's going on currently in the world of digital forensics and cybercrime so that we're ready for anything once we graduate.

He has been working at the Leahy Center for Digital Investigations since his first year.I'm a Security Operations Center Analyst at the Leahy Center for Digital Investigations (LCDI). I love that it's an actual world-class laboratory that allows students to do ground-breaking research starting their first year there. At the LCDI, I've been able to use a lot of what I've learned in the classroom. The difference is that if I do something wrong in class, I can just start over. If I'm in the LCDI and I mess something up, I have to start the whole project over because the evidence has been tampered with. There's real consequences.

And is involved in several clubs on campus.The Digital Forensics Association and the Cybersecurity Club both have the same aim: to teach students what they don't learn in class. For example, one night we had a lock-picking event. It's not something you'd learn in class, but it's still a useful skill to know. I'm also in the Equestrian Club, and that's an awesome stress reliever. We ride horses and go on trail rides; it's really laid back.

Jonathan's summer internship was sad to see him go...I was a security engineer at a small company called Boingo Wireless, which distributes Wi-Fi to major venues like airports and military bases. There were only two security engineers while I was working there: the director and me. He confronted me within the first week because I hadn't been asking questions during the meetings, but he was surprised when I told him I actually understood everything they were talking about. I ended up doing a lot more than I thought I would be, like handling their instant response and setting up security policies. At the end of my internship, they said they were having a hard time trying to replace me.

“I really enjoy talking to people, being outgoing and overseeing a lot of different projects, so I chose Game Production Management.”

Favorite spot on campus:The Fireside Lounge. It's so open. You can interact with a lot of people, and I find that interesting.

I chose Champlain because...The specialized major, Game Production Management, is not common in the United States. And, I like the school size, small class sizes, and I really like the Core classes.

Why Game Production Management?I really enjoy gaming, of course, and managing the business aspects, the communication, the teamwork. I initially applied for Game Design, but I realized I didn't want to be behind a screen all the time or in a cubicle. I really enjoy talking to people, being outgoing and overseeing a lot of different projects, so I chose Game Production Management.

When it comes to activities...I keep myself super active with three leadership jobs on campus. I am the sophomore representative in the Student Government Association (SGA). This is my second year representing the Class of 2020. The SGA funds clubs, activities-any club can ask for a grant. We also try to be the bridge from students to faculty and administration. I am also a Diversity Representative, which is a peer educator. We host activities and events, talk about critical topics. I also have a new position as a Game Producer Coach, and get to coach first-years in my major. I guide them and see how their doing with homework, time management, and communication.

In the future...Once I start working, that's when I think my actual growth will really be happening, but I think Champlain is helping us get ready for the real world, especially through the classes and leadership roles it offers. My goal is to get into a gaming company. The game industry is super competitive. My dream company is Nintendo, because my style fits their bubbly, cartoony style. But I also like Gorilla Games, Big Hits, Sony, Epic Games.

Advice for prospective students:Be open-minded. Champlain is not your stereotypical college. It's different in a good way. Stay positive. Be yourself. You will miss home, but Champlain just may be your second home.

Michael-Paul, Game Production Management majorOranjestad, ArubaROBERT P. STILLER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

“I feel confident that I’ll do well no matter what I do because I am so well versed in many different areas of communication.”

Her Communication major has given her a range of new skills...

As a Communication major, I've taken all sorts of different classes such as Marketing, Audio Production, Public Relations, and I've worked on a range of projects, like PR research plans, marketing plans and video projects. It's been so nice to test the waters and think about what I might want to do as a professional. I feel confident that I'll do well no matter what I do because I am so well versed in many different areas of communication.

Her Core classes have helped develop how she thinks about herself and the world...

Core has been my favorite experience of all. I've learned how to think, which is something I never thought I needed to do before. Core made me question why I think the way I do and how my experiences have impacted my perceptions. I attribute so much of my growth these last few years to Core. I learned how to talk about my story and how it relates to my role in the community. The essays and projects really allowed me to reflect on so many aspects of my life, and I am grateful for that opportunity for introspection.

Studying abroad enhanced Bessie's education in new ways...

I studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the experience was life changing. As a Communication major, it was fascinating to live 5,000 miles away from my home and come to the conclusion that my knowledge of how to communicate effectively is only based on my experiences as a U.S. citizen. When thinking about intercultural communication, studying abroad with Champlain showed me I have so much more to learn.

After graduation, Bessie knows where she wants to go...

I've really taken an interest in working in the world of nonprofits. I have been so inspired by the generosity of our Champlain and Burlington community that I want to apply my knowledge of public relations and marketing to an organization with a mission I can really stand behind. I've been working at a local nonprofit called Spectrum Youth and Family Services, and I am excited to continue working with them and supporting their mission to help at-risk youth.

“Through the help of my advisor, I am able to explore a career path I’ve wanted to pursue as long as I can remember.”

Ever since she was young, Michelle knew she wanted to be a teacher.At Champlain, I was able to dive into coursework and the elementary education field experience from the first semester of my first year. The Upside-Down Curriculum allowed me to develop my professional skills in a meaningful and beneficial manner. I have been placed in a number of environments, and I have developed the tools to meet the needs of diverse students in multiple ways because of the experiences in the field as well as courses Champlain has offered me.

Her professors made a positive impact on her time at Champlain.The professors at Champlain care about the students. My professors always know my name, my strengths and weaknesses, and my aspirations. They utilize this information to tailor my education in the best ways possible so I feel supported and challenged to grow. The support and interest that the professors have in their students at Champlain make for an enjoyable academic process.

Core has complemented Michelle's major classes and influenced her academic and professionals skills.Core has shone a light on the true interdisciplinary manner of the world. I was able to work on necessary skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, synthesis and other skills that are imperative as an educator. I was also able to supplement my learning of pedagogy with psychology, neuroscience and philosophy while understanding the connections to other majors in various divisions.

On top of her field placements, Michelle finds time to pursue her other passion: dance.I am a co-captain of Champlain College's Dance team. I have danced my entire life and was not willing to give that up when I went to school, so I joined the team my first year at Champlain. Though I originally joined because of my love of dance, I continued because of the friendships and sense of family that developed on the team. Some of my closest friends are from this team, and I am grateful Champlain offered me a way to continue my passion and meet new people.

She decided to minor in Foreign Languages in order to reach her goal of teaching in a Spanish Immersion classroom.Currently, I am interning in a Spanish immersion kindergarten classroom at Jericho Elementary School. My duties in the classroom include implementing behavioral support and aiding in lesson preparation. This opportunity requires me to pull from both my Spanish knowledge base and my education background. The ability to meld my two areas of study is a goal that I did not know would be seamlessly achievable, but through the help of my advisor, I am able to explore a career path I've wanted to pursue as long as I can remember.

“Always be open to asking questions. As long as you ask, the professors will help.”

Jacqueline came into her field without a background in computer technology.The professors in the computer field will help as long as you ask. It was difficult for me because it felt like everyone had already made a computer when they were babies, and I did not. But as long as you ask your peers and your professors for help, it's fine. You have to find that support system within your major.

Core opened her mind to new possibilities.Core opens your eyes and your mind to the different aspects of the world. You kind of understand what other people's views are because of their background, because every background is different. The Core classes can be pretty intense, but you become a better writer and a better student. You engage in the class.

To Jacqueline, the small classes at Champlain are key.I came from a small high school, so I knew the importance of being able to make those relationships with the professors. I like small classes because the professors get to know you. Especially because I'm that annoying person who asks a lot of questions, they know that I need a little more help. My professor works in the field, so he has personal tidbits to give us. Like, you probably shouldn't have a flip phone if you work in this industry because it makes you look less tech-y. There's that security of knowing that the professors are currently working in the field they teach, and it's not just from the textbook.

She's found a family away from home at Champlain.I was very homesick my first year, so I decided to become more involved on campus. Everyone was very welcoming and supportive, especially because we do have the Office of Diversity & Inclusion and the Women's & Gender Center. Basically, all the clubs that I'm a part of act as a support system for those diverse groups and teach others about being [a part of those cultures] in that club.

Alianza Latinx teaches students what it's like to be Latina/o, about the food and the culture. The Women In ITS Club is more about learning what we need to go into the field as women in information technology, because there's such a small number of us, and we want to take those opportunities that Champlain gives us. Shades of Me is another community of friends who know what it's like to be a smaller population on campus. We teach each other about our backgrounds and cultures. All these clubs are like a family.

Jacqueline is also a Financial Peer Coach...I am involved with the InSight program [Champlain's career and personal finance education], and we run the MoneyTalks and the financial milestones that students have to complete in order to graduate. We have one-on-one credit review sessions with students, in which we pull up their credit score, and show them how to improve it. We also have workshops where we teach about credit and credit cards, as well as other financial topics. For example, right now I'm working on a project about cost of living. We're tailoring the topics to what everybody wants.

And was pleasantly surprised by Burlington...Champlain was the only East Coast school I applied to, and people kept asking me, "Where are you going? Where is Vermont?" I get the vibe that Burlington is basically Oregon but on the East Coast. It's a very welcoming community, everyone is accepted to the max. Hawai'i has a very open community, so I was worried that going to another state was going to be a big culture shock, but coming to Burlington was a soft landing.

All in all, she appreciates the support she's found at Champlain...You don't have to know what you want to do. People here want you to succeed, whether that means taking different minors or switching majors. If you talk to your Advisor, they'll help you, and if they don't know the answer, then they'll point you to someone who does. It's OK to be unsure like I was. You'll find your group of friends here. You'll find the support system you want. You'll find everything.

“I have a lot of professional connections in Shanghai now, which is incredible.”

As a student in the Robert P. Stiller School of Business, Kelly was eligible to apply for the Freeman Foundation grant, which allowed her to complete a summer internship in Shanghai, China. She took the opportunity and ended up having an internship with QuintilesIMS.

"I had a Digital Marketing internship, so I did content creation for a pharmaceutical and consulting company. They did medical research and would report it to the Chinese government and local pharmaceutical companies on a global scale through their multinational branches. They also did drug development and drug testing, which was very common in the U.S. branch as well as the European branch. "On the digital side of things, they made content to ensure important information for consumers was getting out there. If there was a new drug being developed that was going to be released in China, they would make sure there was an article written about it. That's what I was doing-making sure that the information was getting out there."

Thanks to the Marketing program at Champlain, Kelly felt prepared for the internship. From professionalism to technical skills, her classes had given her enough experience to ensure her success abroad.

"I handled myself pretty well in that environment, and now I have a lot of professional connections there. Champlain really set me up for it by having the correct classes, including all the things I learned in my Digital Marketing and Marketing Research class. Even my Accounting class was applicable, because I did look at some accounting numbers for my internship as well. It helped so much to know what the market trends were."

Kelly's experience aligned with her own professional values, and the kind of organization she wants to work with in the future.

"I'm looking to work somewhere that has a social and community focus as opposed to a profit-making focus. The company I worked for had that corporate social responsibility. They offered low-cost healthcare and consultations for companies trying to get off their feet. There are a lot of companies trying to develop cost-effective drugs in China for people who can't afford brand name drugs. QuintilesIMS aids those companies as much as they can to make sure that as many people as possible have access to those medications. It's great to have worked with a company that had more of a focus on people as opposed to profit."

Kelly, Marketing majorRiverside County, CAStudied abroad in Shanghai, ChinaROBERT P. STILLER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

"This is a school that opens doors for its students."

While abroad in Portugal, Thomas started a magazine with the people he met during his travels. His magazine,Salt & Wonder, focuses on highlighting creative business owners in the European food scene. After graduation, Thomas has continued his work with Salt & Wonder as the Deputy Editor-in-Chief and has begun his own work as a freelance writer and editor.

How did he get there?

After visiting campus, Thomas knew Champlain was the perfect fit...

I knew Champlain was for me as soon as I stepped on campus. My mom found the school, and I wasn't excited about the idea of leaving Massachusetts, but I remember walking through the Hauke Courtyard and picturing myself on the way to class.

Champlain's Upside-Down Curriculum helped him find the right major for his interests...

It took me some time to find the right major. I came in as Computer Science, switched to Creative Media, then finally realized my writing courses were where I was happiest and most engaged. That's what's great about the Upside-Down curriculum: you find out fast whether you're in the right major, and if you're not Champlain will put you on the fast path to switch.

His professors made his classroom experience worthwhile...

If I've learned anything in my time here, it's that the professors care immensely about their students. I've found numerous mentors, and had the pleasure of having real discussions with faculty who treat their students not only as pupils, but also as people with valuable perspectives. In fact, almost everyone I've met through the school is passionate, motivated, thoughtful and openhearted; it's an amazing community.

His Professional Writing major gave him multiple creative and professional opportunities...

I'm in the Professional Writing major now, and I'm thrilled with my progress. I've been able to secure two internships, showcase my work at multiple readings, and had my pieces published online and in print. Without Champlain none of this would have been possible. This is a school that opens doors for its students, and that's not something you'll find at every institution.

Learning with people who have the same passions as her makes Robin love her Computer Science & Innovation major even more...

I wanted to go to a school with passionate students in a beautiful place. That's why I came to Champlain. Being around such brilliant people is both humbling and inspiring; it has encouraged me to come out of my shell a lot at Champlain. In addition to an amazing student body, even the professors are really kind and approachable.

Robin's in- and out-of-class projects are never dull...

Many of the projects at Champlain are open-ended which makes learning really fun. For one of my final projects, I made a glove that you could use to play rock-paper-scissors against a computer! And for a Core class final, I built a banjo as a self-portrait. Champlain even has the the MakerLab at the Lakeside Campus; it allows students from any major or year to create anything you want, from school related to personal projects. I love the fact that this school offers that, and that the student body makes use of it.

Her classes and internships have given her the tools she will need to succeed in her field...

At my internship at the Emergent Media Center, I build physical components and write code for games and other interactive experiences. My job there often overlaps with my classes, which is really exciting. Between my internship and classes, I have learned so much about the power and opportunities that comes with when working with other students and professors. Because of these experiences, I feel so much more confident for when I'm going to be applying for jobs in the future.